The Ile Des Phoques has been our favourite place to cruise, swim, dive and explore ever since we began in 2007. The Ile Des Phoques (French for Island of Seals) is an absolute haven for marine life and has been declared one of the best cold water dives in the world.

Your cruise to the seals will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop & Clerk mountain range and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast. At the northern tip of Maria Island the cruise will head North to the Ile Des Phoques, a 30min boat ride from Maria Island. On the way to this remarkable granite island you can see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.

Upon arrival at the Ile Des Phoques, we stop the boat and you sit with the seals whilst you enjoy lunch. This is a remarkable experience in itself. To enjoy a gourmet Tasmanian lunch whilst seals play about the boat is a dream for most (including us). If that wasn’t enough, the cruise then takes you exploring Ile Des Phoques’ hidden secrets - the largest granite sea caves in Tasmania (possibly the Southern Hemisphere) to claim that "once in a lifetime" photo. Our cruises take the time for you to enjoy your surroundings.

We spend an hour at lunch with the seals and up to 15 minutes in each sea cave. After a relaxing 1.5 hours at Ile Des Phoques, the cruise returns you to Darlington for a guided tour of the convict settlement and the most sought after of all souvenir photos with the local wildlife. Cruise takes approximately 4 hours. Stay on Maria Island is approximately 2hours including a 45min guided walking tour of the Darlington convict settlement.

Tour departs Triabunna at 9:30am and returns at 5:00pm. As we operate both tours with a single boat, the first person to book will set the tour destination for that day.

Join us on the most unforgettable day tour, cruising the renowned coastline of Maria Island and Tasmania's stunning East Coast. Our shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hobart and drive you to our departure location at Triabunna. If you have your own transport, simply meet us at Triabunna and let us take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Your tour will depart from the Triabunna marina (approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes from Hobart), and includes a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with a 2-hour walk of the island's World Heritage listed convict settlement. A big buffet lunch of gourmet Tasmanian food, cheese and wine is provided complimentary on board the cruise whilst at anchor in the most beautiful of locations.

Set sail to explore the rich and enthralling history, wilderness and wildlife of Maria Island as we take you cruising around the entire Maria Island coastline!

Our cruise boat "Spirit of Maria" departs from the Triabunna marina and makes the short journey to Darlington, Maria Island's World Heritage listed convict settlement.

Once at Maria Island, the crew will plan the cruise while you enjoy a morning tea of coffee, cake, biscuits and a platter of Tasmanian cheeses. After morning tea, we continue the cruise to circumnavigate Maria Island, taking you to explore the entire coastline. A totally immersive and different experience, the east coast of Maria Island showcases mountain fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, ancient geology and beaches of pure white sand. Enjoy expert commentary as you cruise to the renowned Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay at Maria Island's isthmus for a gourmet lunch on anchor. These stunning beaches are both identical to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and are only visited by a handful of people each year. En route around Maria Island we stop to showcase many famous landmarks including the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs.

Your big buffet lunch provided on board each cruise includes Tasmanian smoked salmon, ham, chicken, freshly prepared salad, Tasmanian soft and hard cheeses, dips, crackers, wraps and rolls. You will also provided a complimentary drink of Tasmanian sparkling wine or beer, as well as tea, coffee, juice and water!

In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, learn about the town’s remarkable history and come face to face with Maria Island’s resident wombats. If history is not for you, then simply soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach or swim/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.

Tour departs Triabunna at 9:30am and returns at 5:00pm. As we operate both tours with a single boat, the first person to book will set the tour destination for that day.

Connecting Hobart to Tasmania's stunning East Coast. For the first time, Maria Island is connected to Hobart with a daily shuttle bus service. Our return shuttle bus service will provide transport for guests on our Cruise & Walk day tour of Maria Island. Cost for the shuttle bus service is inclusive of the same day return in the afternoon.

Please call our office if you are wanting to book a return service on a different day.